European rumor update

Here's the latest version of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Andrei Zyuzin has signed with SKA St. Petersburg for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Ryno will play for AIK in Sweden for the 2008-2009 season. Source

The New Jersey Devils have agreed to a contract with Finnish free agent Anssi Salmela. Salmela played for Team Finland at the 2008 IIHF World Championship. Source

There are rumors that Washington Capitals goalie Frederic Cassivi could be signing a deal with Nurnberg/Sinupret Ice Tigers of the DEL in Germany.

Forward Marek Kvapil has left the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and will play for HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Defenseman Martin Lojek has left the Florida Panthers organization and will play for HC Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Poll Results:

Which team will get their new coach first?

Sharks	23 (26%)
Maple Leafs	7 (7%)
Avalanche	19 (21%)
Panthers	4 (4%)
Senators	23 (26%)
Thrashers	5 (5%)
Other	7 (7%)

Total Votes: 88

Thanks to everyone who voted!

NHL and hockey rumors for May 18, 2008

According to the Calgary Sun, the Flames are among several NHL teams that want to sign Swedish forward Martin Thornberg. Thornberg scored 20 goals and 17 assists in 51 games for HV71 and also netted another 17 points in 17 playoff games. Brochu's take: Another unsigned European forward? There seems to be a trend this summer to sign these guys. Source

Aftonbladet is reporting that three players playing for Sweden at the 2008 IIHF World Championship are getting a lot of interest from NHL teams. Forward Johan Andersson is being observed closely by the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings, while forward Per Ledin and defenseman Jonas Frogren have also been closely observed. Source

Rumors from Sweden indicate that Red Wings forward Johan Ryno may leave the Wings to play with Elitserien team AIK. Source

Teemu Selanne announced he has retired from international hockey, and will not play for Finland anymore. He also stated that he will make a decision on his NHL future by July 1. Brochu's take: Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke will have an aneurysm if Selanne again waits half a year to decide. Source

According to the Puck-rakers blog at the Columbus Dispatch, the Blue Jackets will wait till July 1 to negotiate with restricted free-agent Dan Fritsche.

The same blog is reporting that the San Jose Sharks will trade Patrick Marleau this summer before his no trade clause kicks in, and the Calgary Flames are interested in the centre. Source

Sydor, Recchi to Columbus?

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche each had two scouts in Ottawa on Thursday for the Senators-Penguins game. Columbus is coached by Ken Hitchcock, who has ties with Penguins' veterans Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor, each of whom was a healthy scratch last night. Source

The Hockey News is reporting that many NHL teams have shown an interest in Swedish forward Fabian Brunnstrom. Scouts are comparing the prospect to Daniel Alfredsson. Under the new CBA, the 22 year old rookie is an unrestricted free agent. Brunnström is currently playing with Färjestads BK in the Swedish Elitserien. The teams that have shown the most interest are the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. Source

Forward Johan Ryno has left the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, and returned home to Sweden to play with Djurgården in the SEL. Ryno could be playing with Djurgarden as soon as next week. Source